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TMS-fMRI Study for Depression and Healthy Controls

This study is looking at how transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) affects the brain in people with depression and in healthy individuals. Researchers are using a combination of single-pulse TMS (spTMS) and theta-burst stimulation (TBS) along with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to see if these different types of TMS have related effects on brain activity. They want to understand if the short-term effects of spTMS are connected to the longer-term effects of repetitive TMS (rTMS), and if these brain changes can help predict symptoms like depression. The study aims to enroll 97 participants, aged 18 to 65, including those with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder and healthy volunteers.

Study design
This interventional study plans to enroll 97 participants, including healthy controls and individuals with depression. It is designed to compare brain activity changes before and after TBS modulation.
What's involved
You would have two visits, each lasting about two hours, scheduled within one week of each other. During these visits, you would complete tests to assess your cognitive abilities and emotional states, and undergo brain scans with TMS and fMRI.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary endpoints are measured up to 10 minutes after the intervention.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06633913

Concurrent TMS-fMRI

Recruiting
NAAges 18–65InterventionalBasic science
Jing Jiang
~97 participants
Updated 2026-03-12 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:spTMS-TBS-spTMS

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Pre and Post TBS Modulation Effect Comparison
Measured over Up To 10 Minutes
+1 more outcome measured

Conditions

Healthy Control
Depression

Explore related trials

Healthy ControlUnipolar Depression

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Iowa1

Who to contact

Jing Jiang, PHD
[email protected]
319-678-3410
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Exclusion

Implanted device including pacemaker, coronary stent, defibrillator, or neurostimulation device that is not MRI-compatible
Metal in body including bullets, shrapnel, metal slivers
Claustrophobia
Uncontrolled high blood pressure
Blood circulation problems
Opiate medication, antihypertensive medication, or any medication that interferes with blood flow (interferes with fMRI recordings)
Significant heart disease, such as atrial fibrillation
Pregnancy in female participants
Prior exposure to deep brain stimulation, rTMS, or tDCS (transcranial direct current stimulation) therapies
History of neurological or cardiovascular disorders, brain surgery, radiation treatment, brain hemorrhage or tumor, stroke, or diabetes
Significant traumatic brain injury (loss of consciousness, post-injury amnesia, significant radiological/neurological findings, penetrating brain injury)
Refusal to abstain from illicit drug use for duration of the study
Refusal to abstain from alcohol within 24 hours of scans

What this trial measures

  • Pre and Post TBS Modulation Effect ComparisonUp To 10 Minutes

    The primary outcome measure will be the modulation effect of TBS to the dlPFC, which is the difference between TMS-induced acute/transient effects before and after TBS. The acute/transient effects will be assessed through single-pulse TMS-induced fMRI blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) responses. The difference in BOLD response before and after TBS (i.e., TBS modulation effect) will be assessed using paired t-tests reported with t and p values.

  • Difference in TBS Modulation Effect Across Comparison GroupsUp to 10 Minutes

    Another primary outcome measure is whether this TBS modulation effect is different between healthy controls and patients with high negative affect symptoms (e.g. depression). The difference will be assessed using independent t-tests reported with t and p values.